Vanier College
PRE-2: Points of Distinction

The Sustainability College Major is designed to allow students, whatever field of study they are in, to explore a wide spectrum of environmental, economic and social issues faced by the planet, locally or globally. Sustainability and Environmental studies are amongst the fastest growing university programs and work sectors and for good reasons, given the urgent need for sustainable solutions on every front of human interaction with the environment.
With this perspective in mind, the Sustainability Major’s aim is to promote students’ engagement who are called to become actors in the positive changes that need to be made. While studying in their respective program, students get exposed to issues of sustainability through a variety of related courses they take, events they attend and hands-on experiences they acquire.

The Vanier Collective Gardens are made up of several garden areas across the campus that includes a wide range of vegetables, fruits and nuts. The Collective Gardens are a place of exchange, where the Vanier Community comes together and participates in a collective effort for sustainability, food security, biodiversity and well-being.

The mission of the Vanier Collective Gardens has three branches:
1-Urban agriculture: empowering people living in cities to engage with nature and their source of food.
2-Education: providing a hands-on learning environment to develop life skills and learn about sustainability.
3-Community: building an affirming space that fosters collaboration and a sense of belonging.

Social Justice Statement
The Vanier Collective Gardens is a mostly volunteer-run group at Vanier College that focuses on uniting individuals and recognizing diversity, while promoting sustainability, mental health, and body positivity. We stand firmly against all forms of discrimination and we are working on creating a safe place where every Vanier student can feel they belong just as they are. We also aim to increase awareness of social justice topics such as food accessibility, gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental issues, and to give our community the ability to discuss and share ideas. We are committed to an ongoing process of learning and self-reflection where we face our mistakes with a desire to grow and do better.
By encouraging our community to live conscientiously and sustainably, and by creating a space that truly welcomes and affirms all who come to it, we are hoping to do our part to create a better world. The gardens are waiting for you!

The Indigenous Studies Certificate Program (major) allows students in any program to learn about diverse Indigenous cultures, histories, worldviews, and contributions to Canadian society. This benefits Indigenous and non-Indigenous students alike by fostering an enhanced vision of the society in which they live. Through a selection of courses and co-curricular learning activities, the program encourages respect for Indigenous knowledge about humans and their world and engagement with local Indigenous communities and organization. In all our activities, we place Indigenous pedagogies and perspectives at the center of our learning. Employees working in the program learn these perspectives on an on-going basis in consultation with local Indigenous Elders, educators, and knowledge holders.

The Indigenous Studies program enables students to apply the knowledge and experiences gained in this program to their studies and career paths and inspires them to continue to engage in learning from Indigenous perspectives throughout their lives. This enables a greater sense of responsibility toward supporting Indigenous-led efforts to achieve greater well-being for all communities.
It also ensures that graduates are ready to work with Indigenous populations in ways that are respectful and professional.